Global Food Trends, New Business Tools and a Fancy Food Show Partnership to Appeal to Foreign Guests
MARCH 31, 2016 – ARLINGTON, VA – Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today announces its international platform at the food retail industry’s premier event, FMI Connect, which will be held in Chicago in June and boasts an historic selection of international food companies from across three continents.
FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin noted, “From spicy Chinese hot pots to the fiery street-food scenes of Thailand and Mexico and the cooling sugar shacks of Canada, FMI Connect will delve into sensory food traditions and trends that influence the way U.S. food companies do business now and in the future. The international flare at FMI Connect 2016 will offer attendees unmatched access to food companies in China, Quebec, Mexico, Thailand and Italy to meet the need for shoppers’ insatiably ethnic-savvy palates.”
Italy is perpetually at the intersection of food and fashion, and the June Expo promises an authentic Italian experience via the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) with the largest presence among all of the international pavilions. ITA’s guild of artisan suppliers will present more than 60 Italian companies showcasing “Authentic Italian” food and wine and featuring the return of Fiere di Parma (CIBUS International Food Exhibition), Federalimentare (the Italian Food & Drink Industry Federation), Fiera Milano (TUTTOFOOD) and Verona Fiere (Vinitaly).
“We’ve forged successful partnerships since our inaugural presence at FMI Connect in 2015, and ITA is proud to be the bridge connecting U.S. retailers and food suppliers via the authentic taste and quality of Italy,” Matteo Picariello, Trade Commissioner ITA (Chicago Office), said.
Trading partners will find mutual benefit in the ability to share new products and services that transcend time zones and maximize efficiencies at the Expo this year. Namely, FMI Connect will reintroduce Connect Business Exchange (CBX), a tool that matches food retailers and suppliers for 30-minute, one-on-one business meetings. The CBX service is complimentary to all FMI Connect attendees.
International audiences traveling to Chicago can capitalize on an opportunity to enhance their experience by attending both FMI Connect in Chicago and the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York. FMI cemented a new relationship with the Specialty Food Association in 2016 to offer an attractive incentive to international food industry executives who are already making a significant investment to journey to the U.S.
Sarasin said, “We created an exclusive invitation for the international professional in the food world by offering the ability to attend two food shows with one plane trip. When FMI Connect concludes, Fancy Food begins at the Jarvis Center in New York, featuring a trendy Brooklyn food tour on June 25. International attendees will have the opportunity to experience first-hand how Chicago and New York City’s Brooklyn borough are epicenters of culinary invention.”
For Media:
Industry Topics address your specific area of expertise with resources, reports, events and more.
Our Research covers consumer behavior and retail operation benchmarks so you can make informed business decisions.
Events and Education including online and in-person help you advance your food retail career.
Food Safety training, resources and guidance that help you create a company food safety culture.
Government Affairs work — federal and state — on the latest food industry policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
Get Involved. From industry awards to newsletters and committees, these resources help you take advantage of your membership.
Best practices, guidance documents, infographics, signage and more for the food industry on the COVID-19 pandemic.
